Use live effects, add image overlays, and split the video stream to numerous programs
Use live effects, add image overlays, and split the video stream to numerous programs
Vote: (4 votes)
Program license: Paid
Developer: Bolide Software
Version: 6.2
Works under: Windows
Vote:
Program license
(4 votes)
Paid
Developer
Version
Bolide Software
6.2
Works under:
Windows
Pros
- Records from various sources
- Webcam filters and effects
Cons
- Watermark
AlterCam for Windows provides webcam effects and many other webcam tools.
AlterCam offers live webcam effects and much more. It can record from various sources, including virtual sources, and can transition between various webcams on the fly. You can record in order to stream and/or record that stream to file. You are also able to take snapshots, which can range from screenshots to small clips of activity that has just transpired.
AlterCam is more than a program for accessing webcams. It also lets you enhance your feed with more than 50 digital effects that can be applied in real-time. When you are recording, you can opt to record the enhanced video or the raw video. There are some limitations with these effects. You cannot customize the presets, and there is no way currently to add effects to the suite.
While this is not the most sophisticated webcam software on the market, what it does quite well is be intuitive and simple to use. The user interface is based on Windows XP, which looks quite dated from a modern perspective, but it is extremely well-organized. The average user who wants to use a webcam for Skype is going to be able to use this software with little assistance.
The program is a powerful tool in other ways too. As mentioned, AlterCam can create virtual webcams from other video streams. It also supports applying all filters and effects to these virtual webcams, and casters and video creators have found some really creative ways to use this capability.
AlterCam is not a well-optimized program. We eliminated that as a con since it will not be noticeable on modern computers, but be mindful that it may not work well if your machine is older. Also, while this is freeware, the freeware version adds a watermark to all video streamed and recorded. Eliminating that watermark requires upgrading to the paid version. The program also lacks help files, and no particular support is added when you pay for the full license.
Pros
- Records from various sources
- Webcam filters and effects
Cons
- Watermark
